Understanding Physical Education Doctoral Students' Perspectives on Socialization

• In Event: 66.044 - Professionalization Experiences in Doctoral Education

Abstract

Grounded in occupational socialization theory, the purpose of this study was to understand physical education doctoral students’ perceptions of their experiences in doctoral education, paying particular attention to how they make sense of such experiences. Participants included 32 physical education doctoral students (16 female) from US institutions. Most identified as Caucasian (n = 26; 81.25%), and other affiliations included Asian (n = 3; 9.38%), African American (n = 2; 6.25%), and Hispanic (n = 1; 3.13%). Data collection included focus group interviews, an open-ended survey, and individual interviews. The three first-order themes that emerged were: (1) initial socialization into PE, (2) program culture and relationships, and (3) preparation for faculty roles. Future research is warranted to examine longitudinal trends.

Authors

• Gabriella McLoughlin, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

• Kevin Andrew R. Richards, University of Alabama

• Victoria Shiver, University of Alabama

• Karen Lux Gaudreault, University of Wyoming